It has been an eventful month at the Lady Lake Police Department, and I wanted to take a moment to highlight some of the significant incidents and developments that have occurred. As always, the dedication and professionalism of our officers continue to impress me.
First, we want our residents to be aware of the new constitutional gun carry law that took effect July 1. This legislation allows a person to carry a concealed weapon without a valid concealed weapons license as long as the criteria for obtaining a license is met. It does not authorize the open carry of a firearm.
Our dedication to the community was exemplified by our participation in an amazing fireworks show on July 1. Setting up our booth at the Guava Street Athletic Complex, we had the pleasure of meeting and interacting with children and families, building positive relationships. The event showcased the dedication and teamwork of our officers on site, while our patrol crew handled calls for service.
Additionally, as part of the Children’s Summer Reading program at the Lady Lake Library, the department was proud to present Bike Safety for Kids, which included giveaways of free helmets and bicycles. The event is part of the Police Department’s Safer Kids in Lady Lake Program (SKILL), which takes place several times a year.
However, amidst the positive moments, we must acknowledge the challenges we faced, including a shooting incident on Caroline Avenue on June 30 resulting in one death and one injury. As we continue to work this case diligently, we ask the community to assist by calling CRIMELINE at 800-423-8477 with any tips.
I’d also like to take a moment to welcome our newest department member, K-9 Ember. He recently began his training alongside Officer Josh Higgins, marking an exciting milestone for our team. He was introduced to the public and Commission on July 17. K-9 Ember is a two-year-old black Labrador retriever who will be used primarily for patrol and detection duties. Ember joins the department with 160 hours of narcotics and tracking training. He is able to track items as well as missing persons. In June, the Town Commission approved acquiring Ember from Central Florida K-9 of Eustis for $10,000. The purchase was made possible due to the department’s PD K-9 Donation Fund, provided by the Moritz Foundation.
In our ongoing efforts to enhance our hiring process, we have introduced a Certified Voice Stress Analysis exam for candidates. This test, similar to a polygraph but more cost-effective, will add an extra layer of integrity to our recruitment procedures. I’m grateful to the neighboring police department for administering the test free of charge.
The Lady Lake Police Department is seeking dedicated officers who want to make a difference in their community. To learn more, visit ladylake.org.
